BOGOTA – A match that was hyped as a possible preview of the Group 1 final did not disappoint as Secaucus rallied from a 24-21 deficit during an electric third set to defeat Bogota, 25-13, 15-25, 26-24, at Speary Gym in Bogota High School on Oct. 1.

Bogota got off to a slow start in the contest. Several early offensive opportunities fell by the wayside as several shots landed just outside the sidelines and baseline. When their spikes did appear to find an open court a Lady Pats defender was there to dig it out of danger.

With their defense assisting in putting points on the board, Secaucus received kills from Julia McClure and Katelyn Schlemm as part of a 7-0 run that opened up a 15-5 advantage in the first set.

Secaucus setter Kendall Caruso recorded her 1,000th career assist late in the first set as she set up McClure for one of her 12 kills in the match. The game was briefly stopped to recognize the senior for her accomplishment.

“She’s an unassuming kid,” said Secaucus head coach Sheila Rivera. “She didn’t even know that she was about to reach 1,000 assists. She’s a true team player, totally in it for the team and one of the most coachable players you could ever ask for.”